Knowing and Understanding the Law in Texas Chapter 394, Finance Code AADMO Presentation May 16, 2006 Leslie Pettijohn Consumer Credit Commissioner

Texas Debt Management Services Act How did we get here? Source: Source: Fellowes, Matt; Credit Scores, Reports, and Getting Ahead in America; Metropolitan Policy Program The Brookings Institution; May 2006

Texas Debt Management Services Act How did we get here? Source: Source: Fellowes, Matt; Credit Scores, Reports, and Getting Ahead in America; Metropolitan Policy Program The Brookings Institution; May 2006

Texas Debt Management Services Act Complaints and Enforcement Cases 2004 Interim Legislative Study SB 1112 passed in 2005 Legislative Session Chapter 394, Subchapter C Texas Statutes: Finance Code

Texas Debt Management Services Act Effective Dates Section effective 1/1/06 Registration requirement All other sections effective 9/1/05

Texas Debt Management Services Act Who must be registered? Section (a): A person, regardless of whether located in this state, may not provide a debt management service to a consumer in this state unless the person is registered with the commissioner.

Texas Debt Management Services Act What is a debt management service? Section : "Debt management service" means: (A) the receiving of money from a consumer for the purpose of distributing that money to or among one or more of the creditors of the consumer in full or partial payment of the consumer's obligations; (B) arranging or assisting a consumer to arrange for the distribution of one or more payments to or among one or more creditors of the consumer in full or partial payment of the consumer's obligations; or (C) exercising control, directly or indirectly, or arranging for the exercise of control over funds of a consumer for the purpose of distributing payments to or among one or more creditors of the consumer in full or partial payment of the consumer's obligations.

Texas Debt Management Services Act What is a debt management service? Section : "Debt management service" means: (A) the receiving of money from a consumer for the purpose of distributing that money to or among one or more of the creditors of the consumer in full or partial payment of the consumer's obligations; (B) arranging or assisting a consumer to arrange for the distribution of one or more payments to or among one or more creditors of the consumer in full or partial payment of the consumer's obligations; or (C) exercising control, directly or indirectly, or arranging for the exercise of control over funds of a consumer for the purpose of distributing payments to or among one or more creditors of the consumer in full or partial payment of the consumer's obligations.

Texas Debt Management Services Act Rulemaking – Chapter 88 TAC viewer Title 7: Part 5 7 TAC § (a) The rules contained in this chapter of this title are applicable to a debt management services provider who is engaged in the business of receiving funds from or controlling the funds of consumers for the purpose of distributing those funds to the creditors of consumers. If a person or entity that is engaged in the business receives and takes into its control the funds of consumers, or has authority over consumer accounts, for the purpose of distribution to the consumers' creditors, the person will be considered a debt management services provider. (b) The rules contained in this chapter of this title do not apply to: (1) the exceptions as provided by Texas Finance Code, § ; (2) transactions subject to the Money Services Act, Texas Finance Code, Chapter 151; or (3) business relationships or agreements that purport to assist consumers with their debts to the extent that consumers' funds are not deposited into an account under the control of the person or business entity who is assisting the consumers with their debts.

Texas Debt Management Services Act Exceptions to Compliance with the Act: Section : Attorneys Title Companies Judges Representative Payees Financial Institutions A person who pays bills or other debts owed by a consumer and on behalf of a consumer, if the money used to make the payments belongs exclusively to the consumer and the person does not initiate any contact with individual creditors of the consumer to compromise a debt, arrange a new payment schedule, or otherwise change the terms of the debt

Texas Debt Management Services Act Registration Application Application with prescribed information, including information about accreditation and nonprofit status Detailed description of ownership interest of officers, directors, in any for-profit affiliate or other for-profit entity that provides services to the DMO Surety bond or insurance requirement Required records Annual report with financial and transaction volume info

Texas Debt Management Services Act Other Compliance Requirements Maintenance of required records Annual report with financial and transaction volume info

Texas Debt Management Services Act To enroll a consumer in Debt Management Plan, a Debt Management Organization must: Be a nonprofit Be accredited Use a trained counselor Provide counseling and education Prepare individual financial analysis Determine ability to pay Reasonably expect creditors to accept payment plan Prepare list of participating creditors Have written agreement with several prescribed disclosures, including fees

Texas Debt Management Services Act Other requirements of a debt management agreement: Provide a written accounting to consumer at least quarterly Fees: must be fair and reasonable given the value of products and services provided Trust Account: must use for management of consumer funds

Texas Debt Management Services Act Agency enforcement powers: investigation and examination Privacy question

Texas Debt Management Services Act Where are we? 41 approved; 10 pending Certificate of Authority or Good Standing are most overlooked item About ½ of applications come in relatively complete Some problems with bonds and insurance

Texas Debt Management Services Act Anticipated Future Legislation Nonprofit status requirement? Debt negotiation regulation Financial Literacy

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